Bucaramanga city in Colombia. Photo: Shutterstock A powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake in Colombia has left at least 132 people dead and more than 570 injured, according to a preliminary update from the Colombian Association of Capital Cities (Asocapitales).
The latest figures, issued with a 5:30 p.m. August 10, 2026 cutoff, include 87 deaths recorded in the country's capital cities. Authorities stressed that the toll remains preliminary as search-and-rescue operations and damage assessments continue.
The earthquake has caused widespread damage to buildings and critical infrastructure, with 86 buildings reported collapsed and seven airports suspending operations because of earthquake-related damage. The disruption could affect both local transportation and air travel in some of the hardest-hit areas.
The aviation sector has been particularly affected in Colombia's central and western regions.
Matecaña Airport in Pereira remains closed after structural damage to the terminal roof. Asocapitales reported that three of the fatalities in Pereira were caused by the roof collapsing at the airport.
La Nubia Airport in Manizales has also been closed following damage linked to the earthquake, while El Edén Airport in Armenia suffered damage to its control tower and runway.
The latest Asocapitales report lists seven airports with operations suspended:
-Pereira
-Manizales
-Cali
-Quibdó
-Armenia
-Cartago
-Buenaventura
For travelers, the airport closures represent one of the most significant immediate transport consequences of the earthquake, although individual flight schedules and operational restrictions may change as authorities inspect facilities.
Five of Colombia's 32 capital cities remain under red alert: Pereira, Cali, Quibdó, Manizales and Armenia.
Pereira has recorded the highest number of fatalities among capital cities, with 60 deaths reported. Sixteen people were also reported trapped in the city's cable transportation system, while rescue teams continued working at 15 critical locations.
Cali has reported 15 deaths and 380 injuries, along with 20 collapsed structures. Three roads have collapsed and 10 hospitals have been rendered unusable, placing additional pressure on emergency services.
Quibdó has recorded eight deaths and 36 injuries, with search teams continuing operations at damaged buildings. Six people were reported trapped in a building in the Medrano neighborhood, while four children were reported missing at the Carrasquilla Educational Institution.
In Manizales, four people have died, while 17 buildings were destroyed and another 19 partially collapsed. Armenia has reported 67 injuries and damage to dozens of structures.
The earthquake has also affected roads, hospitals, electricity, telecommunications, water infrastructure and public transport. Bogotá has deployed 100 rescue personnel to support affected areas and plans to send structural engineers to Pereira, Cali and Quibdó. Medellín has also activated its monitoring and response capabilities.
The Colombian government has declared a national disaster situation, allowing authorities to mobilize additional resources for the emergency response.
With damage assessments still underway, authorities warn that the number of casualties, damaged structures and affected infrastructure could continue to change.